Local hospitals not accepting homemade masks, share other ways public can help

MADISON, Wis. — Local hospitals are reminding residents that they are currently not accepting homemade masks, but there are other ways the public can help during the coronavirus pandemic.

One UnityPoint Health – Meriter official said the hospital is working to establish a process to collect donations, but they have not made a decision on homemade masks as of Tuesday afternoon.

UW Health is also not accepting homemade masks. According to a release on the hospital’s website, the facility has started working with manufacturers that can rapidly produce the masks needed at the hospital. A list of items needed by the hospital can be found here.

In a video shared on Youtube, one UnityPoint Health employee shared step-by-step instructions on how to make a homemade mask. While Meriter is currently not accepting masks, the employee said homemade masks can be used for personal use in the public.